E-fit image released of man who tried to grab a teenage girl in East Meon

People smuggling duo sent to prison

POLICE are investigating after a man tried to grab a 15-year-old girl in Green Way, East Meon.

An e-fit image has been released of the man Hampshire Police want to speak to following the suspicious incident on Thursday, May 22.

He approached the teenager at around 4.30pm, while she was standing next to a white van. After attempting to talk to her the man unsuccessfully tried to grab the girl.

The 15-year-old ran away and was unharmed, but was shaken by the incident, said police. The man then drove off.

Hampshire Police has released a description of the man. He was said by the victim to be white, with a pale complexion and of a stocky build, around 40 years old, had short black hair, stubble, hairy arms, and was wearing a dark coloured paint-splattered t-shirt, dark jeans, and white trainers.

The vehicle involved was described as a white car derived van, the rear doors had windows and there were panels instead of windows by the passenger seats, and it had black plastic wing mirrors.

The van was also said to look old, with rust above the wheel arches and a dent to the rear passenger side, and was dirty so appeared to be blackish.

Anyone with information should call Hampshire Police on 101, quoting Operation Amaranth. Information can also be left anonymously by calling charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.